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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Brad Byrd Where Were You When the World Stopped? Review by Gary Hill This is quite an intriguing set. When I was done spinning it, I was left with one thought: I wish there was more. Then again, it's always good to leave your audience clamoring for an encore, so I guess that makes this a roaring success. From dreamy alternative rock that leans toward shoegaze to potent folk styled music and more, this set is varied in terms of style. It's consistent in terms of quality, though. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021 Volume 5. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.

Track by Track Review

Where Were You When the World Stopped? This cut is intricate and delicate. Yet it is also lush and powerful. This is balladic and has a real dream-like, nearly progressive rock, quality to it. Still, at its core it is essentially folk-based alternative music.

The Bright Lights (Fade Away) This immediately changes things as it comes in more hard rocking. I'd consider this an energized alternative rocker, but layers over the top bring some hints of shoegaze. This really gets dramatic and involved before it's over.

When You Need Me There is more of a roots rock edge to this cut. Yet it still has some of that powered up alternative rock. I love how it drops to a stripped down, folk movement mid-track. The female backing vocals bring something special to the table, too.

Just Make Me OK That roots element is all over this cut. It has a lot of both folk and country music in the mix. The track still brings in some alternative elements. This has both energy and subtly. That's a great combination.

Chasing Down The Sun The folk elements are the dominant ones here, but there are some rock angles, too. While this is slow, it's not without its energy. It's a solid tune with healthy helpings of country music in it.

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